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E472 Esters of mono- and diglycerides

E472a Acetic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides
E472b Lactic acid esters of mono- and diglycerides
E472c Citric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides
E472d Tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides
E472e Diacetyltartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides
E472f Mixed esters (tartaric, acetic) of mono- and diglycerides

Origin:
Esters of synthetic fats, produced from glycerol, natural fatty acids and another organic acid (acetic, lactic, tartaric, citric). The fatty acids are mainly from plant origin, but also fats of animal origin may be used. The product generally is a mixture of different components, with a composition similar to partially digested natural fat esterified with other natural acids..

Function & characteristics:
Emulsifiers and stabilisers.

Products:
M any different products

Acceptable Daily Intake:
None determined except for 30 mg/kg bodyweight of tartaric acid for E472d-f.

Side effects:
None known. The products are first digested to the individual acids and the fats. The body metabolises all components identical to the normal acids and natural fat. The individual components of the mono- and diglycerides are also produced normally in the body when digesting normal fat.

Dietary restrictions:
Although mainly vegetable oils are used, the use of animal fat (incl. pork) can not be excluded. Several groups, such as vegans, Muslims and Jews thus avoid these products. Only the producer can give detailed information on the origin of the fatty acids. Chemically the fatty acids from vegetable or animal origin are identical.